Twin City Tree for Erlangen in Stoke-on-Trent

In 2025, Stoke-on-Trent celebrated the 100th anniversary of its incorporation and, in doing so, paid special tribute to its sister city partnership with Erlangen, which has existed for over 35 years. As part of a variety of celebrations, the city of Erlangen was invited to join in planting a partnership tree. City Councilman Martin Ogiermann accepted this invitation in October as Erlangen’s representative.

The cherry tree planted in the Smithfield area in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent has since bloomed for the first time and symbolizes the renewed blossoming of the partnership. In keeping with this, the path next to the tree was named “Erlangen Way”—as a counterpart to Stoke-on-Trent Street in Erlangen.

A Variety of Experiences and Events During the Anniversary Year

For the visit by the Erlangen City Council, the British hosts had put together a varied program that offered a glimpse into the diversity of events taking place during the anniversary year. At that time, Stoke-on-Trent was hosting, among other things, a Beer Festival where local breweries such as the Titanic Brewery showcased their beers. At the same time, the city—known for its ceramic art—also hosted the Ceramics Arts Biennale, where elaborate and delicate porcelain artworks were on display in large exhibition halls. The “Art on Your Doorstep” exhibition in Bethesda Gardens also featured art in public spaces, with 15 replicas of famous paintings from the National Gallery in London on display and open to the public free of charge.

Another highlight was the mural “100 Years, 100 Faces,” created specifically for the anniversary year by artists Rob Fenton and Alastair Barnet. On an exterior wall on Marsh Street in the Hanley neighborhood, notable figures from Stoke-on-Trent are immortalized—including singer Robbie Williams, darts player Phil Taylor, and ceramic artists such as Emma Bridgewater. Former Lord Mayors such as Majid Khan and Lyn Sharpe are also depicted. The artwork also reflects the diversity of the city’s community. An overview of all the people portrayed is available online: https://thisisrobfenton.com/100-years-100-faces/

Further Exchange Opportunities Under Discussion

In addition to experiencing the cultural highlights, the Erlangen city councilor also used his visit to strengthen existing and new exchange projects. For example, they were welcomed at Stoke-on-Trent College, which has been in contact with the Erlangen Vocational School since 2024 and would like to expand the collaboration to include a reciprocal student exchange. In addition, he visited St. Margaret’s Ward Catholic Academy, where German continues to be taught as a foreign language and which hopes to strengthen its ties with Erlangen.

In summary, it is clear that not only the newly planted partnership tree but also the numerous personal encounters and projects symbolize a revival of the city partnership. These ties must be further nurtured in the future to sustainably strengthen and expand the relationship between the two cities. As Stoke-on-Trent looks ahead to the next hundred years, both cities are looking forward together—to a town twinning that remains vibrant and enriching.